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AUTO REVIEW: 2019 Chevrolet Blazer RS AWD: A Return of An Old Favorite
NNPA NEWSWIRE — Never before has Chevy designed a crossover that was so expressive. In fact, it seemed out of step from its typical design theme. Other than the Corvette and the Impala, it has been a while since the word “stylish” has been so associated with a brand known for building reliable family-oriented cars, trucks and SUVs.
By Jeff Fortson of JeffCars.com
Highlight: The vehicle is available with adjustable sliding rear seats.
Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $50,765 (Base Model: $29,995)
Seating Capacity: 5
Standard Safety Features: ABS; airbags; traction control system; a back-up camera; LED daytime running lights; a stability control system; a tire pressure monitoring system; and a tire inflator kit
Standard Equipment (LS): 18-inch wheels; a 9-speed transmission; dual zone automatic ventilation system; a leather wrapped steering wheel; a leather shift knob; a built-in Wi-Fi system; cloth seats; manually-adjustable front seats; maanual tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a lockable electronic glovebox
Standard Equipment (RS): 20-inch wheels; 3.6-liter, 6-cylinder engine; 305-horsepower; AWD; an automatic heated steering wheel; heated front seats; an automatic rearview mirror; a power programmable liftgate; a keyless entry system; a keyless ignition starter system; a rear parking assist system; a rear cross-traffic alert system; a lane change blind zone alert system; black roof rails; a remote vehicle start system; leather seats; and SiriusXM
Options On Test Vehicle: 21-inch gloss wheels; memory setting; a rear camera mirror; a safety alert system; a premium BOSE audio system; wireless charging; heated rear seats; a radar activated cruise control system; ventilated front seats; a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel; automatic headlights; a forward collision alert system; a forward automatic braking system; a lane departure warning system; a front pedestrian braking system; 360-degree camera; and a panoramic power sunroof
Other Trim Levels: L; LT; Premium
Standard Audio on Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM radio
Apple CarPlay & Android: Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes
USB Connectivity: Yes
Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
Standard Engine/Horsepower:2.5-liter turbo, 4-cylinder/193-hp
Towing: 1,500 lbs
Recommended Fuel: Regular
Standard Fuel Mileage:25-city/30-hwy
What’s New:While the name may have been revived, this is not the Blazer we last remembered, when the name died with the production of the vehicle in 2005. Chevy’s new cutting-edge crossover is all new both inside and out. As opposed to being based on a truck platform, this time around the midsize vehicle is based on a car platform.
Why: What’s not to like about GM’s non-soccer mom-styled crossover! It’s stylish. It’s available in an array of trims. Depending upon the trim, an all-wheel drive configuration is available.
It’s the newest addition to the competitive crossover craze, where it seems automakers have resorted to making many of these vehicles in this segment look like modern day station wagons on steroids.
Fortunately, that is not the case with the revived Blazer. GM’s design team differentiated this Chevy from the entry-level Trax, the popular but conservatively styled Equinox and the truck-like Traverse.
The Blazer looks like it was created by one of Chevy’s Japanese competitors. Time and time again those are the words that spewed out of the mouths from many who came in contact with the vehicle. This vehicle didn’t look like it was capable of wearing Chevy’s signature bowtie.
Never before has Chevy designed a crossover that was so expressive. In fact, it seemed out of step from its typical design theme. Other than the Corvette and the Impala, it has been a while since the word “stylish” has been so associated with a brand known for building reliable family-oriented cars, trucks and SUVs.
With consumers no longer placing coupes and sedans at the top of their shopping list and automakers revamping their portfolio, Chevy has given its customers a reason to strongly consider this athletically muscular vehicle.
The five-passenger vehicle is roomy and accommodating. There’s even ample cargo room. The all-new Blazer is available with all of the latest high-tech features and luxury amenities.
Some of those features include a much welcome panoramic sunroof, a color rotary dial fan speed knobs, a driver’s safety seat, a radar-activated cruise control system, a push-button ignition starter, 21-inch blacked-out wheels, heated rear seats, six USB ports, a wireless smartphone charger and a choice of two powertrains. Overall, we found a well-executed color-coordinated interior theme that was choreographed with the gauges and infotainment center.
By the way, rumor has it that the engineering team has future plans to stuff a third row in this vehicle.
But: Honestly, besides the front center armrest that rattled periodically, the audio system wasn’t quite up to the crystal-clear concert sound we’ve experienced in a number of the Blazer’s competitors. We wouldn’t mind if the audio engineering team works with the supplier of the sound system to replicate the perfect pitch and balance, creating a world-class sound experience. We know they’re capable of such, since this is definitely the most cutting-edge design of any of the Detroit automakers.
Verdict: GM has a winner on its hands with the all-new Blazer. In the RS we reviewed, there was nothing lacking. In our opinion, the Blazer and the Nissan Murano are two of the most stylish mainstream crossovers available.
Overall the fit and finish, with the extra storage built into the front doors, adds to the small touches that makes this a worthy pick on our list. Moreover, the ride and handling capabilities exceeded our expectations. In fact, we found the RS trim to be quite engaging.
Competition: Ford Edge; Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Nissan Murano
Near Competitor: Jeep Grand Cherokee
About Jeff Fortson: He is the host of SiriusXM Channel 141 Auto Trends with JeffCars.com. It’s a weekly multicultural automotive show, which includes in-depth conversations with today’s influencers and pioneers. For show times and to price a new vehicle, cruise over to JeffCars.com.
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Tiguan’s AI Touchscreen & Gear Shift: VW Just Changed the Game! #2
Explore the Tiguan’s cutting-edge 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice control, and a new AI assistant. See how VW innovatively moved the gear shifter to the steering column, enhancing the center console and navigation system! #AutoNetwork #Tiguan #Infotainment #AppleCarPlay #AndroidAuto #AISystem #NavigationSystem #CarTech #TechReview #CarInnovation #Automotive

https://youtube.com/watch?v=0xUKM6U2Lpc&autoplay=0&cc_lang_pref=en&cc_load_policy=0&color=0&controls=1&fs=1&h1=en&loop=0&rel=0
Explore the Tiguan’s cutting-edge 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice control, and a new AI assistant. See how VW innovatively moved the gear shifter to the steering column, enhancing the center console and navigation system! #AutoNetwork #Tiguan #Infotainment #AppleCarPlay #AndroidAuto #AISystem #NavigationSystem #CarTech #TechReview #CarInnovation #Automotive
#NNPA BlackPress
IN MEMORIAM: Legendary Funk Pioneer Sly Stone Dies at 82
Sly Stone’s musical approach radically reshaped popular music. He transcended genre boundaries and empowered a new generation of artists. The band’s socially conscious message and infectious rhythms sparked a wave of influence, reaching artists as diverse as Miles Davis, George Clinton, Prince, Dr. Dre, and the Roots.

By Stacy M. Brown
BlackPressUSA.com Newswire
Sylvester “Sly” Stewart—known to the world as Sly Stone, frontman of the groundbreaking band Sly and the Family Stone—has died at the age of 82.
His family confirmed that he passed away peacefully at his Los Angeles home surrounded by loved ones, after battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other health complications.
Born March 15, 1943, in Denton, Texas, Stone moved with his family to Vallejo, California, as a child. He began recording gospel music at age 8 with his siblings in a group called the Stewart Four. By his teenage years, he had mastered multiple instruments and was already pioneering racial integration in music—an ethos that would define his career.
In 1966, Sly and his brother Freddie merged their bands to form Sly and the Family Stone, complete with a revolutionary interracial, mixed-gender lineup.
The band quickly became a commercial and cultural force with hits such as “Dance to the Music,” “Everyday People,” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”—all penned by Stone himself.
Their album “Stand!” (1969) and live performances—most notably at Woodstock—cemented their reputation, blending soul, funk, rock, gospel, and psychedelia to reflect the optimism and turmoil of their era.
Sly Stone’s musical approach radically reshaped popular music. He transcended genre boundaries and empowered a new generation of artists. The band’s socially conscious message and infectious rhythms sparked a wave of influence, reaching artists as diverse as Miles Davis, George Clinton, Prince, Dr. Dre, and the Roots.
As the 1970s progressed, Stone confronted personal demons. His desire to use music as a response to war, racism, and societal change culminated in the intense album “There’s a Riot Goin’ On” (1971). But drug dependency began to undermine both his health and professional life, leading to erratic behavior and band decline through the early 1980s.
Withdrawn from the public eye for much of the 1990s and early 2000s, Stone staged occasional comebacks. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammys in 2017, and captured public attention following the 2023 release of his memoir “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”—published under Questlove’s imprint. He also completed a biographical screenplay and was featured in Questlove’s documentary “Sly Lives!” earlier this year.
His influence endured across generations. Critics and historians repeatedly credit him with perfecting funk and creating a “progressive soul,” shaping a path for racial integration both onstage and in the broader culture.
“Rest in beats Sly Stone,” legendary Public Enemy frontman Chuck D posted on social media with an illustrative drawing of the artist. “We should thank Questlove of the Roots for keeping his fire blazing in this century.”
Emmy-winning entertainment publicist Danny Deraney also paid homage. “Rest easy Sly Stone,” Deraney posted. “You changed music (and me) forever. The time he won over Ed Sullivan’s audience in 1968. Simply magical. Freelance music publicist and Sirius XM host Eric Alper also offered a tribute.
“The funk pioneer who made the world dance, think, and get higher,” Alper wrote of Sly Stone. “His music changed everything—and it still does.”
Sly Stone is survived by three children.
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PRESS ROOM: Clyburn on 10th Anniversary of Mother Emanuel AME Church Shooting in Charleston
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) released the following video on X, paying tribute to the 10th anniversary of the shooting that took place at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina on June 17, 2015.

By Congressman James E. Clyburn
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA – Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) released the following video on X, paying tribute to the 10th anniversary of the shooting that took place at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina on June 17, 2015.
“Over 6 years ago, the House first passed my Enhanced Background Checks Act to close the Charleston Loophole that allowed a white supremacist to obtain the gun he used to murder nine worshipers at Emanuel AME Church on June 17, 2015.
“I’ll never stop fighting to pass this law.”
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